Lynwood – Lynwood Unified School District will add a new all-electric school bus to its fleet this fall, reducing air pollution and costs while boosting child safety.

The new eLion Type C bus is capable of accommodating more than 70 passengers and can travel 75 miles when fully charged. A charging station will be installed at the District’s bus barn.

“Adding energy-efficient transportation has been a priority for our District, and we’re excited to be taking the next step toward that goal,” LUSD Superintendent Gudiel Crosthwaite said. “We plan for our new bus to be the first of many all-electric buses that create a safer environment for our children.”

The eLion vehicle will reduce exposure to smog-forming pollution, reduce costs for fuel, oil and transmission fluid, and offer a longer use of brakes. The vehicle also features 18-inch aisles, roomier than the standard 12-inch space, for comfortable student mobility. The electric motor provides a quiet ride.

In fall 2017, Lynwood Transportation Department members and South Coast Air Quality Management District representatives joined First Priority GreenFleet bus provider and Ev Connect charging service for a demo ride aboard an eLion bus.

“Our drivers have received new training to familiarize themselves with the vehicle and are very much looking forward to upgrading the transportation for our students,” Lynwood Director of Maintenance Operations & Transportation Gustavo Gonzalez said.

The bus is funded through a pair of grants totaling nearly $800,000 from the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Hybrid and Zero Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Project. The District is in the process of securing a second all-electric bus to arrive this school year.

“We are proud to continue upgrading our technology and transportation at Lynwood Unified,” LUSD Board President Alfonso Morales said. “We want to give our students and staff every possible tool to foster a culture of achievement.”

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101018_LUSD_ELECTRICBUS: Lynwood Unified’s new eLion bus will reduce exposure to smog-forming pollution and reduce costs for fuel. The vehicle features 18-inch aisles, roomier than the standard 12-inch space, for comfortable student mobility.